"Sambar Symphony: A Flavorful Journey in Verse"

Sambar's Aroma

Oh, the fragrant smell of sambar,

Spices mingling in a heavenly jar,

A dish that's loved both near and far,

From streets to homes and in bazaars.

Lentils bubbling in a pot of love,

Vegetables thrown in, a rainbow from above,

Drizzled with tamarind, a tangy glove,

This dish will make your taste buds dance and groove.

A dash of hing, a sprinkle of spice,

Cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds nice,

A meal that's hearty, filling, and concise,

Sambar is a feast that never fails to entice.

A taste of South India in every bite,

Sambar's aroma is a pure delight,

A dish that's truly a foodie's right,

To relish and savor, day or night.

About sambar

Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that is made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, tamarind, and a blend of spices. It is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is often served with rice, idli, or dosa. The dish has a rich history and is believed to have originated in Tamil Nadu, India. Today, sambar is enjoyed by people all over the world and is a staple in many Indian households.

Preparation of Sambar

Ingredients for sambar

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
• 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (such as drumsticks, eggplant, pumpkin, carrots, okra, onions, and tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon sambar powder
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or pulp
• 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water for cooking
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee for cooking

These are just some of the common ingredients used to make sambar. Depending on the region and personal preferences, some additional ingredients may be added or omitted.

Instructions:

1. Wash the toor dal and soak it in water for 15-20 minutes. Then drain the water and add the dal to a pressure cooker along with 3 cups of water. Pressure cook the dal for 4-5 whistles or until it becomes soft and mushy.
2. In a separate pot, add the chopped vegetables along with 2 cups of water and some salt. Boil the vegetables until they are soft and cooked through.
3. Once the dal and vegetables are cooked, mash the dal using a spoon or a whisk until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the dal to the pot with the cooked vegetables.
4. In a small pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to pop. Then add the cumin seeds and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds.
5. Add the hing and sambar powder to the pan and sauté for a few more seconds.
6. Add the tempered spices to the pot with the dal and vegetables.
7. Add the tamarind paste or pulp to the pot and mix well.
8. Simmer the sambar for 10-15 minutes until all the flavors have blended together and the vegetables are completely cooked.
9. Serve hot with rice, idli, dosa, or any other Indian bread of your choice.

This recipe is just a basic guide, and you can adjust the quantities and ingredients based on your taste preferences. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, sambar is a delicious and popular dish in South Indian cuisine that is loved by people all over the world. Made with a blend of spices, lentils, and vegetables, sambar is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish with other Indian breads such as rice, idli, or dosa.

Sambar is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables, making it a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The use of lentils in sambar provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

With its fragrant aroma and delicious flavor, sambar has become a staple in Indian households and is also a popular dish in Indian restaurants around the world. Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, sambar is a dish that can be customized to your taste preferences.

Overall, sambar is a must-try dish for anyone who loves Indian cuisine and is looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of South India.